Submarine Squadron memorial site unveiled at Western Cape museum

TWO years after the SAS MANTHATISI tragedy in Kommetjie, which claimed the lives of three naval officers, the Chief of the SA Navy, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, unveiled the Submarine Squadron Memorial site at the SAS Submarine Museum and announced that the day of the incident would be given official recognition.

- GENEVIEVE SERRA

Lobese said September 20 would now officially be recognised as Submarine Squadron Day, symbolising a day of remembrance, unity, recognition and courage for past and present submariners.

The families of Lieutenant Commander Gillian Hector, Master Warrant Officer William Mathipa, and Warrant Officer Class 1 Lucas Mojela, who tragically lost their lives during a vertical transfer exercise off Kommetjie in 2023, attended the memorial on Saturday at the naval base.

Lobese said: “The memorial plaque I will be unveiling is a noble reminder of our brave submariners who lost their lives while serving their country. It is a symbol to honour their bravery and commitment and acknowledges the dangers they (were) exposed to whilst working at the seafloor.